The Department of Human Services (DHS) is about safety, health and independence for all Oregonians. We help Oregonians in their own communities achieve well-being and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity. We protect children who are abused or neglected. We serve seniors, people with disabilities. We help low-income people along the road to self-sufficiency with health coverage, job preparation, childcare and other supports. Our services are delivered in the least restrictive setting and in partnership with communities. We are absolutely committed to ongoing innovation in the delivery of services, and we are committed to recruiting, developing and retaining dedicated employees.

This employment opportunity is with Aging and People with Disabilities, which is part of the Department of Human Services. There is one permanent full-time opening located in Hermiston (SE Columbia Drive). This position is represented by a union.

This recruitment announcement will be used to establish a list of qualified candidates to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.

Please be aware that due to the economic downturn and subsequent state budget short-fall these positions may be required to take furloughs in the biennium 2011-2013.

Duties & Responsibilities:

The primary purpose of this position is to determine initial and ongoing eligibility and issue benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Oregon Supplemental Income Program (OSIP), Oregon Health Plan (OHP) and Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB). Assess client needs and make appropriate referrals to other agencies and community partners. Choice counsel and provide enrollment assistance for clients eligible for Medicare Modernization Act (MMA).

Perform position duties in a manner which promotes customer service and harmonious working relationships, including treating all persons courteously and respectfully. Engage in effective team participation through willingness to assist and support co-workers, supervisors, and other work-related associations. Develop good working relationships with division and agency staff and supervisors through active participation in accomplishing group projects and in identifying and resolving problems in a constructive manner. Demonstrate openness of constructive feedback and suggestions, in an effort to strengthen work performance. Contribute to a positive, respectful and productive work atmosphere. Regular attendance is required to meet the demands of this job and to provide necessary services.

Assess the needs of applicants and recipients. Conduct interviews to determine eligibility for OSIP, SNAP, QMB and OHP. Use Eligibility Manuals to ensure that determinations are made according to policy and rules. Make referrals and serve as an advocate for benefits and services. Process required forms and payment documents; prepare, authorize and submit necessary documents to establish and keep current each assigned client’s cash payment, food stamp benefit and medical card. Choice counsel and provide enrollment assistance for clients eligible for MMA. Work with Central Office as necessary to resolve difficult MMA issues. Demonstrate an understanding of the DHS Core Values and apply these values on an ongoing basis; including recognition of the value of individual and cultural differences.

Develop and maintain expertise in eligibility requirements and referral processes and services of State and Federal agencies and organizations in the community. Attend trainings as required.

Identify over and underpayments and process as applicable.

Other Duties as assigned

WORKING CONDITIONS

Driving daily conditions (snow, ice, long distance, mountain driving) throughout winter months. Exposure to illness and disease through direct contact with clients. Occasional exposure to people who may be hostile or exhibit volatile behaviors or attitudes.

Qualifications & Desired Attributes:

Your application materials, including your answers to the 'Supplemental Questions' will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications and how you meet the desired attributes for the position to which you have applied. Your answers to the supplemental questions must be reflected in your application.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Two years of experience determining eligibility for an agency program by interviewing to assess the needs of clients, and interpreting and applying the policies, rules, and guidelines that are applicable to the client's situation.

Any college courses may be substituted for the two years of general experience on a year-for-year basis (45 quarter hours is equivalent to one year of experience).

DESIRED ATTRIBUTES

Experience working in a social/human services setting where you interviewed customers to obtain information and determine eligibility.

Experience working with elderly and/or disabled populations.

Experience using basic mathematics (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) in a work environment.

Experience communicating decisions, rules, policies and procedures.

Experience you have involving communicating decisions regarding the approval or denial of benefits or services and the explanation of laws, rules or regulations.

Experience performing human services duties/tasks in a human or social services setting.

Only the candidates whose experience most closely match the qualifications and desired attributes of this position will be invited to an interview.

Additional Information:

IMPORTANT NOTICE – Email Addresses Now Required

The state of Oregon is now requiring all applications have a valid email address.

If you do not currently have an email address and do not know where to go to get one please refer to our Applicant E-Recruit FAQ's web page. Click on the link below to go directly to question #14 to view several internet providers where you can get a free e-mail account. The state of Oregon does not endorse any particular provider.
Applicant E-Recruit FAQ's

If you are offered employment, the offer will be contingent upon the outcome of an abuse check, criminal records check and driving records check, and the information shall be shared with the DHS, Office of Human Resources (OHR). Any criminal or founded abuse history will be reviewed and could result in the withdrawal of the offer or termination of employment.

DHS will communicate with all applicants via e-mail.

If you need assistance to participate in the application process, you are encouraged to call 503-945-5698 (voice) 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) Monday through Friday. TTY users please use the Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service: 1-800-735-2900.

If you need assistance with adding attachments to your profile or to a specific job posting please go to Adding and Removing Attachments to a Profile and Job Posting for further instructions. This quick help guide can also be found on the State Jobs Page by clicking in the Applicant E-Recruit FAQ's then click on Applicant Profile Maintenance.
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